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Note 2 - Acquisitions and Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures with Noncontrolling Owners' Interests (Detail) - The following table summarizes the changes in the noncontrolling owners’ interests in subsidiaries a (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010
Balance, beginning of period | $ 18,375 | $ 28,724 | $ 23,887
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest included in liabilities | 16,941 | 935 | 7,137
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest included in equity | 1,068 | 261 |
Accretion of interest on puts | 993 | 881 | 1,169
Issuance of noncontrolling interest in RHB in exchange for net assets of acquired companies | 9,767 |  |
Distributions to noncontrolling interests owners | (10,185) | (7,809) | (4,160)
Acquisition by Sterling of RLW noncontrolling interest | (23,144) |  |
Other | (39) | 39 |
Balance, end of period | 20,046 | 18,375 | 28,724
RLW [Member] |  |  |
Change in fair value of Put/Call | 3,797 | 1,268 |
RHB [Member] |  |  |
Change in fair value of Put/Call | 2,473 | 1,054 | 691
Acquisition by Sterling of noncontrolling interest |  | (8,205) |
Myers [Member] |  |  |
Acquisition by Sterling of noncontrolling interest |  | $ 1,227 |

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